The true heir to Lionel Messi: Lamine Yamal to take iconic No. 10 shirt after signing new contract at Barcelona with La Masia graduate to have €1bn release clause

To say that Yamal has been in top form this season would be undermining exactly how good the 17-year-old has performed for Barcelona, as he has been a major part of the Catalan side's domestic treble. The La Masia graduate came up through the ranks at Barcelona as a 15-year-old under Xavi Hernandez, and under Hansi Flick has transformed himself into one of the best players in the world, who could even be a front-runner for the 2025 Ballon d'Or.

Yamal has been considered the heir to eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi over the course of the last 18 months. As per Memorabilia1899.co, Barcelona are now reportedly set to hand the teenager the Argentine legend's famed No. 10 jersey, which is currently worn by Ansu Fati. The Guinea-Bissau-born star was termed as the original heir to Messi, however, his untimely injuries have meant that he has fallen far down the pecking order at the Catalan club and may now be set to leave the club this summer.

Barcelona are also set to hand Yamal a new contract once he turns 18 to tie him down to the club on a lengthy contract. The Catalan side, led by Joan Laporta, want to avoid any sort of funny transfer business, similar to what happened with Neymar Jr. in 2017, and are hence going to add a release clause of €1 billion (£840m/1.1b).

Yamal is currently wearing the No. 19 jersey at Barcelona, which was also the number worn by Messi at the Catalan club, prior to being handed the famed No. 10 shirt in 2008.

Barcelona will be somewhat pleased at having missed out on the Club World Cup this summer, as it will mean that Yamal will be afforded more rest after having played 8643 minutes over the last two seasons. Yamal will be hoping that he can become the youngest player to win the Ballon d'Or in September.